Antique cars, thoroughbred racing, a preview of midway rides and a concert by Selena Gomez are all part of the opening weekend of the 2011 Maryland State Fair, from Friday, Aug. 26, and through Monday, Sept. 5, at the state fairgrounds, 2200 York Road, Timonium.

Midway rides, games and food stands will be open 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday through Sunday; then Monday through Thursday, noon to 10 p.m.

Early risers may attend livestock and horse shows in the various livestock buildings and show rings at 9 a.m.

Admission to the fair in general is $8 for adults, $6 for seniors and $3 for children ages 6 to 11. Children 5 and younger are admitted free. Rides are individually priced.

There will be a Ridemania Preview Night — with rides, games and food stands open — on Thursday, Aug. 25, from 5 to 10 p.m., with a cost of $16 to ride as many rides as desired. Non-riders can pay $4 for admission.

The lineup of entertainment for the opening weekend includes Selena Gomez and The Scene on Friday, Aug. 26, at 7 p.m. Gomez will perform with the group Allstar Weekend.

The concert is for all ages, and will be held on the racetrack infield, rain or shine. Gates will open at 5:30 p.m. Tickets are $42.50 and include admission to the fair.

Other headline acts performing at the fair in the coming week include country music star Blake Shelton with Chris Young on Saturday, Sept. 3, at 7 p.m. ($42.50); and the local band All Time Low on Sunday, Sept. 4, at 7 p.m. ($29).

For concert tickets, go to MissionTix.com or TicketMaster.com.

The fair's annual Antique Vehicle Show will be held Saturday, Aug. 27, 7 to 10 p.m., and will feature antique vehicles from as early as the 1920s up to 1982 including Model A's, Corvair convertibles, Camaros, Corvettes, GTO's, Mustangs, Triumphs, Zephyrs and more.

"Many of our exhibitors are men and women who dreamed of owning that one special car as a teenager, but didn't have the finances until their middle years," said Les Horn, coordinator of the show. "Now they are enjoying the old cars that are new to them, and are pleased to show them off."

Plaques will be awarded to exhibitors at the vehicle show. For additional information regarding entering, call 410-256-6386.

Other events for the opening weekend include:

• Thoroughbred horse racing and simulcast racing run Friday, Aug. 26, through Sunday, Aug. 28, (as well as Friday, Sept. 2, through Mon., Sept. 5). Post time is 1 p.m., and admission to the races is included in the fair admission.

• A 4-H and Future Farmers of America costume animal contest will take place on Aug. 26, at 7:30 p.m. in the Horse Show Arena.

• A jousting competition will be held Aug. 28, at 6:30 p.m. in the Horse Show Ring.

• On Monday, Aug. 29, the J Bar W Ranch Battle of the Beasts professional bull riding event will be held at 7 p.m.

Other daily features at the fair include the Masters of the Chainsaw demonstration; Swifty Swine pig racing each day; fair tours, the animal birthing center; and various displays and demonstrations hosted by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources.

Parking is available at the fairgrounds for a fee; free parking is available at the park-and-ride location on Deereco Road. ATM machines will be located throughout the fairgrounds.

For more details and the full schedule, go to http://www.marylandstatefair.com.